Electric Cars

The United States government is weighing options to address the escalating cost of diesel fuel, a significant concern for both individual drivers and commercial enterprises. Among the proposals under consideration is a temporary 90-day restriction on diesel exports, though official statements confirm that no final decision or policy has been enacted. This initiative arises amidst a backdrop of elevated fuel prices impacting various sectors of the American economy.

Biden Administration Explores Strategies to Combat Rising Diesel Costs

In a bid to mitigate the financial strain on the nation, particularly ahead of upcoming elections, reports indicate that the Trump administration has been deliberating a three-month halt on diesel exports. Alternatively, discussions have also focused on persuading domestic refiners to voluntarily decrease their export volumes, rather than enforcing a mandatory ban. This approach seeks to balance market dynamics with consumer relief.

As of September 28, 2026, the price of diesel stood at $6.382 per gallon, a slight decrease from the preceding week's $6.529, yet substantially higher by approximately $2.61 compared to the same period last year, according to data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Significant regional disparities further highlight the issue, with West Coast diesel prices reaching $7.357 per gallon, considerably exceeding those in the Gulf Coast ($5.96) and East Coast ($6.14). Such discrepancies pose considerable challenges for logistics and transportation companies operating nationwide.

Internally, government officials are still meticulously assessing the legal and practical ramifications of an export ban, with a definitive timeline for any action yet to be established. Such a measure would mark the first imposition of curbs on US energy exports since the Obama administration rescinded the crude oil export ban in 2015. Public statements from Trump as recently as September 28 underscored the export ban as a serious contender for policy action, although details remained fluid. A source close to the internal discussions emphasized the urgency, stating, “Something has to happen.”

A Reuters article revealed that an alternative strategy involves urging prominent US refiners to voluntarily curtail diesel shipments. Proponents of this voluntary approach argue that an outright ban might have limited efficacy in directly lowering pump prices and could inadvertently disrupt domestic supply chains, potentially driving prices even higher in the long run. This perspective contributes to the ongoing debate and unresolved nature of the policy.

For owners of small businesses and operators of light-commercial vehicle fleets, the immediate financial pressures from high diesel costs persist, irrespective of the policy debates. Geopolitical events, including conflicts in the Middle East and attacks on refineries in Eastern Europe, continue to exert upward pressure on global oil prices, complicating domestic efforts to stabilize fuel costs. Until the White House announces a concrete plan, the market remains characterized by uncertainty and price volatility, leaving diesel consumers to contend with elevated expenses as the administration navigates complex legal, industrial, and political considerations.

Saleen Automotive has revealed initial sketches of its forthcoming SR Widebody Mustang. These renderings showcase significantly broadened fenders and a prominent rear wing, indicating a strong emphasis on aerodynamic performance, all built upon the current S650 Mustang platform.

While specific power figures and launch timelines remain undisclosed, Saleen has once again turned to individual investors for funding. This strategy, which invites public participation in the company's financial endeavors, has garnered considerable attention alongside the vehicle itself.

Aggressive Aerodynamics Hint at Track-Focused Performance

The digital rendering released by Saleen offers a glimpse of what's to come, despite much of the vehicle being obscured. The visible elements, however, are striking: front and rear fenders that are dramatically wider than any previous Saleen Mustang iteration, suggesting an exceptionally aggressive stance.

Mounted on the trunk lid is an imposing wing, appearing even larger than the one found on Ford's track-oriented Mustang GTD. This direct comparison immediately elevates expectations, positioning Saleen's new creation as a contender in the high-performance, aero-focused segment. Although engine specifications, horsepower targets, and a release schedule are yet to be announced, this approach mirrors Saleen's past strategy for projects like the S1 supercar, where design concepts were previewed long before mechanical details were finalized. The GTD, for context, boasts a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine delivering 815 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque, with a price tag exceeding $325,000. Any Saleen model incorporating this widebody kit will undoubtedly be measured against such formidable benchmarks.

Public Investment Fuels Development of the SR Widebody Mustang

Saleen's current lineup already features impressive Mustang variants, including the Yellow Label package with 775 horsepower and the Black Label model, which tops the range at 850 horsepower. It remains unconfirmed whether the SR Widebody will be based on the standard Mustang GT or the more track-ready Dark Horse model. Given the aggressive nature of the widebody design, utilizing the Dark Horse's stiffer chassis and larger factory brakes would be a logical choice for optimizing performance.

The company's fundraising efforts provide a clearer picture of its financial strategy. Saleen is conducting a Regulation Crowdfunding campaign via Wefunder, offering a Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) with a valuation cap of approximately $45 million, rather than traditional common stock. Additionally, a separate Regulation Crowdfunding filing on Invown offers common stock at $1.50 per share, with a disclosed pre-money valuation just under $45 million. Both initiatives are designed to attract individual investors, distinguishing them from traditional institutional funding. Previous reports indicated a combined total of around $110,000 raised across both platforms, with ongoing fluctuations as new pledges arrive and some are withdrawn. Earlier investment tiers ranged from $1,500 to $50,000, with higher contributions sometimes receiving a 5 percent discount.